Of course, I remember reading it a long time ago when I was in my late twenties.

The plot was refreshing, and the interesting way of depicting the cross-culture between China and the new generation was truly captivating.

The sister with Yin eyes was written in a very convincing manner.

I strongly believe that Amy's style in all of her books has injected inspirations into many people when they are writing about anything related to China.

Those dos and don'ts are really worth reading!

It's not just about the story itself, but also the cultural insights and the unique perspective that Amy brings.

Her works have the power to transport readers to a different world and make them understand and appreciate the rich and diverse culture of China.

Whether you are interested in Chinese culture or just looking for a good read, Amy's books are definitely worth checking out.

You will be amazed by her talent and the way she weaves together a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

So, don't hesitate to pick up one of her books and embark on a literary journey that you won't forget.

As I'm delving into all of Amy Tan's works once again, upon perusing all their summaries, I came to the realization that "The Hundred Secret Senses" was the solitary book that eluded my memory completely. (I had read all the books around the same time previously, so it wasn't as if it was an extremely distant past.) Likely because "Senses" isn't centered around Amy's classic mother/daughter dynamic, but rather a sister/sister relationship.

The story revolves around a 40ish woman named Olivia, who has endured her elder half-sister Kwan's nosiness and... her astonishing ability to communicate with spirits. Like a medium. In fact, that's precisely what Kwan is. A very well-intentioned medium who can't refrain from interfering in anyone's affairs and doesn't even care when people hurl insults at her and ostracize her for being strange.

Olivia finds herself in a failing marriage, her 17-year relationship with Simon constantly disrupted by the ghost of his first love. Kwan determines that the only way to salvage their marriage is to take them all on a trip to her tiny village in China, where Olivia discovers that all of Kwan's tales about past lives and ghosts are indeed true... and what they have to do with herself.

The first aspect to note about this book is its narrative voice. I'm a staunch believer that Tan is one of the few authors who can successfully execute first person present without making me want to flee in terror. That being said, there are two points of view in this book - one for Olivia and one for Kwan. Olivia is a snobbish, bratty woman (and child) with a remarkable "woe is me and my dysfunctional family" complex that makes you want to slap her more than once. (And of course, I adored Olivia because she reminds me of the type of person we loathe because she voices what we're all thinking but lack the courage to say.) On the other extreme, we have Kwan, who speaks in broken English. They both have a penchant for going off on tangents that cause you to forget what they were initially discussing. But if you're not new to Tan's books, this shouldn't trouble you in the slightest.

I found myself devouring this book and wondering why on earth I had never recalled it. I mean, there are no "revelations" as all the "oh my god, what a twist!" moments are so blatantly obvious that even M. Night Shyamalan wouldn't touch them, but the actual writing itself keeps you engaged throughout the journey. "Why don't I remember this? This could easily become one of my favorite books!" I thought to myself.

Then I reached the ending.

Which is where a star deduction comes in.

The ending is clichéd and contrived, and overall a huge letdown that makes you exclaim, "really?" I think I rolled my eyes so forcefully that they're still attempting to return to their original position. And in the process, the ending raised far more questions than it answered. The sheer "whatever" feeling I had at the end reminded me of why I had never remembered anything about this book afterwards. Still, you'll notice I gave it four stars - because up until the end, I truly did love this book, from Olivia's epic cynicism to Kwan's witty stories. As long as I pretend the last two chapters didn't occur, I'm content!

Esta es la historia de dos hermanas. Olivia, estadounidense de origen chino, y Kwan, que es china. La historia habla del choque cultural que enfrentan ambas, pero sobre todo se centra en Oli. Su hermana Kwan tiene unos atributos que la envolveran más de lo que Oli quiere. La mística china lo llena todo en la trama. Hay elementos mágicos y misteriosos que dan un giro inesperado a la historia. Además, el desenlace es a la vez inesperado y abierto, lo que deja al lector pensando y preguntándose qué sucederá a continuación. Esta historia es una exploración fascinante del choque cultural y la relación entre hermanas, con un toque de mística china que la hace única y cautivadora.

The heroine of the story, Olivia, is the daughter of an American and a Chinese immigrant. On her deathbed, her father reveals that he has left an older daughter in China, Quan, and asks his wife to bring her to America.

From the beginning, Quan shows great dedication and attachment to her younger sister, while Olivia, on the contrary, keeps her distance from the eccentric Quan, who claims that she can communicate with the spirits of the dead.

When Olivia separates from her husband, Quan is determined to reconcile them, as the spirits insist that it is written for them to be together. The two sisters decide to search for their roots in China. There, Olivia is forced to face her sister to learn the secrets that her past hides, and to find out whether the ghost stories she has heard since childhood are real or the result of her imagination. The revelations that follow will shock her, make her better understand the mystery that is Quan, and show her the way to happiness.

Once again, Tan tells us a magical story of sisterly dedication and selflessness, enriched with myths and beliefs from Chinese culture.

This story not only explores the complex relationship between the two sisters but also delves into the themes of identity, family, and the power of the unknown. Through Olivia's journey, we witness her growth and transformation as she confronts her past and discovers the true meaning of love and acceptance.

Tan's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative make this story a captivating read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

I truly relished what Kwan has to impart to us (and Olivia).

Amy Tan has penned an intriguing book that delves into the lives of two half-sisters, their experiences starkly different from one another.

Kwan, with her Yin eyes, is an outstanding character. She serves as a remarkable means to transport us into the rich tapestry of Chinese folklore and history.

Her unique perspective and abilities add a layer of mystery and wonder to the story.

As we follow her adventures and interactions with the other characters, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context in which the story is set.

The book not only entertains but also educates, making it a captivating read for those interested in Chinese culture and the human experience.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

It's the same basic Amy Tan plot. The details may have changed, but the essence of the story remains precisely the same as every other Tan book I've read. In this instance, however, not only does the narrator grapple with mommy issues, but she also contends with older-sister-from-China issues.

Basically, I became bored. I've perused most of Tan's novels and have come to realize that she adheres to a template. She discovered a formula that proved successful in The Joy Luck Club and has scarcely deviated from it since then.

1. There is a female main character.

2. She is trapped between two worlds, namely China and America, and two or more generations. Consequently, she struggles to communicate effectively with others. She appears aloof, comes across as cold, and is burdened by guilt.

3. This inability to communicate impacts all of her relationships. Various facets of her life disintegrate around her, such as losing her job, getting divorced, and becoming estranged from her family.

4. She attains a certain level of understanding and compassion.

5. There is a hug, and then we're done.

This approach to novel-writing strikes me as lazy and unfulfilling. Tan identified what appealed to her readers and has failed to evolve as a writer or storyteller. It seems as if she is content to recycle the same themes and character arcs, rather than taking risks and exploring new territory. As a reader, I渴望 more depth, more complexity, and more innovation from her works.

After reading The Kitchen God's Wife last summer, I knew without a doubt that Amy Tan was one of "those" authors for me.

You know, the kind who just "get it." They have this uncanny ability to grasp that tiny yet significant bit of the human experience that makes you exclaim "me, too." Their stories have this magical quality that makes them cling firmly to your heart.

The Hundred Secret Senses was an absolute delight. It was not only lovely but also soul-filling and highly accomplished. For once in my reading life, I found myself preferring the contemporary narrative over the historical one. I usually devour dual-timeline novels for the historical portions, so this was a most welcome surprise.

The Hundred Secret Senses is a beautiful exploration of sisterhood and friendship. At its core, it's about the deep commitments women make to each other. It delves into the contrasts between China and America, different worldviews, the play of light and shadow, the mysteries of life and death, and the realms of the living and the dead. It's a very dualistic novel, with two timelines and narrators, yet there is no true sense of loneliness. Everyone and everything seems to be paired.

Kwan is one of those unforgettable characters who has nestled deep into my heart, and I know I won't forget her anytime soon. Olivia, on the other hand, could be frustrating at times, but she was always utterly realistic. I eagerly look forward to reading more of Amy Tan's works and perhaps revisiting this wonderful novel someday.

Well written and intriguing, as I’ve found all of Tan’s books.

However, it is not my total favorite of hers. The reason is that the jumping around in time, with a persona from a character’s previous life, was a bit confusing. It made it a little difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story at times.

Nevertheless, I did find the description of the poor, secluded Chinese village very vivid. This was achieved through the eyes of the Chinese American characters, and it was really well painted for an American reader like me. It gave me a great sense of what life was like in that village, the hardships they faced, and the unique culture and traditions that prevailed.

The climax is unexpected, and sad. It really tugged at my heartstrings. But it was also a bit mysterious, leaving me with some unanswered questions and a sense of wonder. Overall, it was a good read, but not without its flaws.

4.5 stars.

Kwan is truly a breath of fresh air. Her open heart and generosity are so profound that if you're not accustomed to such qualities, you might even mistake them for a kind of swift suffocation. In my entire life, I've only known one other person like her. And when you become the target of that kind of love, there's no arguing with it or trying to justify it. It simply barrels into you, clings tightly, and refuses to let go. I sincerely hope that everyone has this kind of experience at least once in their lives. I also hope to be a more grateful recipient than Olivia, although I must admit that I don't think I always have been.

This book has brought Kwan's world - the world of yin and the logic of her village in China - into sharp relief for those in the west. I found myself completely believing in things that I'd never really considered before, such as reincarnation, talking with the dead, and memories passing between worlds. I was truly swept up in it. I also saw how my western ideas would be quickly brushed aside as arrogant or short-sighted. We think we are so learned, yet all we have really learned is to reason using the ideas given to us by other people. How much of my reason comes from regurgitating theories and ideas, and how much of it comes from actual experience? Have I ever truly seen how the world works? An example from the book: Why do I squirm at the sight or thought of chicken's blood when it actually makes the dish better?

I absolutely loved this book, loved the writing, and loved the twists and turns. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities and made me question my own beliefs and assumptions.

A Hundred Secret Senses

The author is Amy Tan.

This is a beloved, light, witty, humorous, and warm novel that reminds me of the fictional stories my grandmother used to tell us every evening.

The talented author was able to capture every bit of my emotions with her beautiful style in narration and dialogue.

It is considered one of the most beautiful novels I have read recently. This novel deserves to be made into a movie.

The translation is excellent. Except for the many typographical errors in the novel published by "Al-Ahlia for Publishing and Distribution".

Quotes from the novel:

"Great happiness comes after a storm of tears of sorrow."

"Love has the taste of fragrance as well as the taste of salt at the same time."

"Every human being must dream in order to have hope. To stop dreaming is like saying that we cannot change our destiny."

"The world is not a place, but a vast space for the soul, and the soul is equal to nothing but love, which alone is eternal, alone is infinite, and this is the only thing that brings us closer to the truth."

"No one can stop hoping. No one can stop dreaming as long as they look at the sky. Man always wants to fly high as much as he can."

"The truth does not lie in logic, but in hope. And whether in the past or the future, hope always surprises you."

"Hope can overcome all that opposes it, all kinds of doubts, and it can resist every attempt or doubt that demands proof to lead us to the truth."

It took me a considerable amount of time to truly get into this book.

Mainly because from the very beginning, I had an inkling that I would like it well enough, but not have overly strong opinions about it.

And after finally finishing it, I can indeed confirm that that initial feeling was mostly on point.

I actually grew quite irritated with the narrator and her husband.

Neither of them seemed to be particularly good people.

While following unlikable characters can sometimes be engaging, in this case, Olivia's lack of personal motivation made her a rather uninteresting protagonist.

I did like Kwan and her antics, but when it came time to really care about her, I found myself rather apathetic.

That being said, the main reason I stayed invested throughout was Tan's writing style.

Her prose is incredibly fluid and engaging.

Even when the story itself failed to fully catch my attention, her writing had this pull that kept me going.

I also really enjoyed Kwan's stories about her past life.

In fact, I almost wish that the entire book had been historical fiction with just a touch of the supernatural.

Overall, I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Olivia simply desires to lead her life as a predominantly American Chinese-American. She has always harbored resentment towards her half-sister, Kwan, who refuses to let go of China. Kwan has the ability to see yin (ghosts) and is constantly interfering in Olivia's life.

As we delve into their relationship, Kwan shares with us the story of her past life in rural China in 1862.

To be frank, for three-quarters of this book, I found it somewhat interesting but not outstanding. I was hesitant about reading the other two Tan books on my shelf, considering I have 200 unread books and need to make some cuts. However, when I reached the final quarter, suddenly it became extremely interesting. Now I'm a bit uncertain about my stance.

This was a slow-paced book. I'm usually okay with slow-moving stories, but I need to sense that I'm progressing towards a destination, which I didn't feel for a significant portion of this book. Once a destination emerged, I became more engaged.

The ending made me reflect more on the concepts of friends and sisters, and what loyalty to both truly implies. Additionally, the exploration of reincarnation was truly captivating.